CNU-My daughter-in-law said Christmas would be easier if I stayed away, and my son did not even raise his eyes to defend me. So I stayed home, alone, exactly as requested. …

Not old-fashioned. Not difficult to know. Troublesome. A nuisance standing between her and a simpler arrangement of assets, holidays, loyalties, and future claims.

Susan stared at her mother as if she had been slapped.

“Mom,” she said softly.

Linda ignored her.

Vincent still did not speak.

That silence did more damage than Linda’s insult. People sometimes continue reading …